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Sonoma switching to monthly water bills

DEREK MOORE

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT | June 23, 2014

The city of Sonoma is transitioning to monthly water billing, ostensibly to assist residents with their conservation efforts in a time of drought.

City officials say the change will provide customers with more frequent and timely information about their water usage, including making it easier to detect leaks. The city currently bills for water use on a bi-monthly basis.

Customers who are receiving a bi-monthly bill in June will receive their first monthly billing in July. Those scheduled to receive a bi-monthly bill in July will receive their first monthly bill in August.

Rates for water service will not change but the service charge will be divided by two and tiers reflecting the amount of water used will be adjusted to half of the two-month total to account for the change in billing cycle.

In the following months, billing statements also will be updated to provide additional information about water usage and history.